New foundation plans 5K event to promote awareness

Stacey Mullins of Delray Beach, who started the Every Boob Counts Foundation… (Lindsay Moore, FPG )

October 10, 2012|DAVID DIPINO dddipino@tribune.com

Eager to promote breast cancer awareness among young women and men, Spanish River High School student Jennifer Mullins knew she needed a catchy slogan that would get the attention of her peers.

So she worked on the idea with her mother, Stacey Mullins, a Boca Raton lawyer. Thus was born an idea: the Every Boob Counts Foundation.

The mother-daughter duo crafted a mission statement, created a website, and planned community outreach and educational events, including the inaugural Every Boob Counts 5K Race/Walk. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 27 at John Prince Park, 2520 Lake Worth Road in Lake Worth.

Jennifer Mullins, a junior at Spanish River High, said that money raised through the event will benefit the Every Boob Counts Foundation. The organization is focused on raising breast cancer awareness in people between the ages of 16 and 24. Mullins emphasizes education and helps young women with questions about visiting a gynecologist for the first time. She also teaches them how to do self-exams.

"It's so important what she's doing, because more and more young people are getting diagnosed every day. And not just women – men are being diagnosed, too," Stacey Mullins said.

"High school boys are interested in boobs, and high school girls are interested in fashion that shows them off. … So why not have an open conversation about Every Boob Counts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

Stacey Mullins has three children in three different schools and maintains a busy career as a lawyer. She was inspired to help her daughter raise breast cancer awareness after losing her mother, Sandy Zabinsky, to the disease.

"It's a way we can keep alive her memory," she said.

Stacey Mullins is also the chair of the sponsorship committee for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in West Palm Beach, which is scheduled to take place in January. About 30,000 people are expected for that event.

"We need to continue raising money," she said. "It can cost a woman at least $7,500 for the treatment she needs for breast cancer."

An avid runner, Mullins once took part in an 11-person, 199-mile relay from Miami to Key West. "I'm a running addict," she said. "I'm just passionate about running and embrace the sport."

She has big aspirations for her daughter, saying, "I want her to go to medical school and find a cure for breast cancer."

For more information, visit EveryBoobCounts.com. The event will feature uniquely designed medals for all finishers, awards to the top male and female finishers in several divisions. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants, and the packet pick-up location is at Fit to Run at the Mall at Wellington Green.

All registrants will receive a free indoor cycling class at Flywheel and a gift certificate for a free meal at First Watch. Local country music favorite Amber Leigh will sing the national anthem at the event.